Wladimir Klitschko pays tribute to Hayden Panettiere
Wladimir Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion and ex-partner of late actress Hayden Panettiere, has said the family is in "profound shock and grief" following her death at the age of 36.
In a tribute, Klitschko, who shares an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with Panettiere, said he would always speak of her mother with respect and ensure their daughter remembers her as she was. He extended condolences to Panettiere's parents and fans, describing her as young and talented, and asked for privacy during "this incredibly difficult time."
Panettiere died in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday. Police said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The Greenville County Coroner's Office said emergency crews treated her in cardiac arrest, and that an autopsy showed no signs of trauma, but the cause of death has not been confirmed.
The former couple met around 2009 annonced their engagement in 2013. Their daughter Kaya was born the following year. After the birth, Panettiere struggled with postpartum depression and heavy drinking its aftermath.
Klitschko helped her get treatment, but when their daughter was three, he asked her to sign over custody. Panettiere agreed.
In a separate interview published Saturday, Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, said the estate will likely go to Kaya under California law, as Hayden apparently did not leave a will. Vogel described her granddaughter as an "exceptional" and "amazing human being," noting that Kaya speaks five languages and is winning horse-riding competitions. She also said Klitschko has "positive and supportive" people around their daughter.
Vogel also spoke about the ongoing investigation into her daughter's death, saying she pressured police to look into the circumstances. Reports indicate that dispatchers were told Panettiere was in cardiac arrest aid was administered, though the cause of death has not been confirmed. The DEA is assisting with the investigation.
Klitschko and Panettiere met around 2009, announced their engagement in 2013, and had their daughter in 2014.
Perspectives
Wladimir Klitschko, in a public statement, described Panettiere as a "talented" woman who "left this world too soon" and asked for privacy for the family during their grief. He emphasised his commitment to honouring her memory for their daughter.
Lesley Vogel, Panettiere's mother, expressed confidence in her granddaughter's wellbeing and discussed the expected inheritance. She also addressed criticism from commentator Gayle King, who suggested Vogel had failed to protect her daughter during her struggles; Vogel called the remarks "unprofessional."